Ticket info on international matches and tournaments this summer in Canada

OTTAWA – It is a busy summer for Canada’s national teams both on the court and the beach as action heats up in preparation for Olympic qualifying tournaments later this year. Canadian fans will have some great opportunities to see the best players in the world and cheer on their Canadian athletes.

The men’s national team opens its 2011 season at the 10-country Pan Am Cup set for the Centre Robert-Guertin in Gatineau, Que., June 13-18. The big prize on the line is a berth in the prestigious FIVB World League for next summer.

The women’s national team hosts two series: from June 23-28, the Canadians face Argentina in a four-match series with three matches in Winnipeg and one in Brandon. The matches serve as a Pan Am Cup preview where both Canada (ranked 20th in the world) and Argentina (ranked 25th) will compete.

Then from August 16-21, the women’s national team challenges number-12 the Netherlands in a four-match series in three Ontario cities (Oshawa, Hamilton and Waterloo). Both teams will field their A-squads and these matches will be instrumental in their preparations and lead up to their respective zone championships taking place in September.

“This is a huge year for Team Canada and to take the next step we need to play as many games against good teams as possible,” said Canada's offensive star Sarah Pavan of Kitchener. “The Netherlands will bring the competitive environment that we need to experience. This is a great opportunity for Ontario’s volleyball community to see the game played at its highest level and I am excited to wear our country’s uniform in my home province for the first time.”

In beach volleyball, Quebec City will host the Quebec Open JEEP, a stop on the FIVB World Tour circuit July 19-24. Rankings from performances on the circuit will count towards the Olympic qualifying process and Canada has strong contenders in both men’s and women’s competition.

July 19-24: beach volleyball, Quebec Open JEEP FIVB World Tour, Quebec City

Where to buy tickets?

The organizing committee of the Quebec Jeep Open presented by Videotron started selling tickets for the event as of March 24th. There will be three packages available: A pass for all seven days of the event selling for 50 dollars. A package for reserved seating for all seven days as well, selling for 150 dollars, and VIP tables including food and beverages selling for 5,000 dollars. For more information and details please call 418.656.3668 or visit www.quebecopenjeep.com.